30 April 2013

Mil Mi-17 Hip with TY-90 air-to-air missiles (photo : Cina Defense)China has allegedly sold helicopter gunships to ethnic Wa rebels who occupy areas of Shan State in eastern Burma, intelligence monitor Jane’s Information Group reported on Monday.The report claimed China “delivered several Mil Mi-17 ‘Hip’ medium- transport helicopters armed with TY-90 air-to-air missiles to the Wa in late February and early March, according to both Myanmar ethnic minority and Myanmar government sources.”Bertil Lintner, an expert on Burma and author of Great Game East: India, China and the Struggle for Asia’s Most Volatile Frontier, confirmed the accuracy of the Jane’s report.Lintner said the Burmese government was moving to gain control of the Shan State Army-North’s mountainous bases on the western bank of the Salween River, for an eventual offensive against the Wa rebels.“Since the Burmese government signed a ceasefire with the Shan, they haven’t withdrawn any troops, but rather they have reinforced their troops,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw, an analyst based on the China-Burma border. “That is not a good sign. So, the Wa wants to prepare [for a possible war].”The purchase of the gunships is part of Wa moves to make the Wa region more like an independent state, able to project force if necessary.The United Wa State Army is the largest ethnic armed group in Burma, with an estimated 20,000 well-equipped fighters, and advanced weaponry including surface-to-air missiles.The Burmese government has carried out an offensive against the SSA-North and Kachin rebels in northern Shan State since mid-April, calling up troops from as far away as Karenni State to back up their forces in Shan State, according to Aung Kyaw Zaw.Quoting a Wa rebel source, the Jane’s report said “the Mi-17s reached the Wa-administered area by flying across the Mekong River from Lao rather than direct from China.”Jane’s said five helicopters had been bought, but the Burmese government, which confirmed the deal, said only two aircraft had so far been delivered.The UWSA headquarters is in Panghsang, northeastern Shan State on the China border, but it has a secondary stronghold in southern Shan State on the border with Thailand.Burma and the United States have long said the UWSA funds its activities through heroin and methamphetamine production, earning large sums of money through illegal activities.If the government launches an attack on the Wa, it would be a big war, according to analysts. There have been unconfirmed reports in recent weeks that the Wa have been digging in for a protracted ground war, hollowing out tunnels and constructing fortified positions, according to the sources.The Burmese government recently bought a number of Mi-24P ‘Hind’ gunships from Russia. The reported sale of the Mi-17s to the Wa, armed with TY-90 short-range air-to-air missiles, would provide a strong deterrent to Naypyidaw moving against the Wa.(Irrawady)

The Vietnamese satellite VNREDSat-1, built by Astrium, is scheduled for launch from Kourou on 03 May. Astrium also built the satellite ground control segment and the image receiving and processing stations in Vietnam.(photos : hanoimoi)

Astrium, the European leader in space technologies, is the prime contractor for the VNREDSat-1, the first Vietnamese Earth observation satellite, scheduled for launch on a Vega rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou on 03 May.Astrium received the order for the VNREDSat-1 programme from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) in July 2010, under an agreement signed in 2009 between the French and Vietnamese Governments. Under this contract, Astrium is responsible for the development, construction and launch of the VNREDSat-1 optical satellite, capable of taking images of the Earth with a resolution of 2.5 metres. In Vietnam, Astrium was also prime contractor for the design and construction of the satellite ground control segment and the satellite image receiving and processing stations. The company was also responsible for training the 15 Vietnamese engineers who will operate the satellite.

“VNREDSat-1 is another of Astrium Satellites’ export successes,” said Eric Béranger, CEO of Astrium Satellites. “This new satellite is further proof that our teams are among the best in the world; aside from their technological expertise and exemplary cost management, they also provide excellent customer support spanning from system design to in-situ operator training. We intend to continue in this vein, further boosting our competitiveness and consolidating our position as the world’s leading exporter of Earth observation satellites.”(Astrium)

PF-16 BRP Ramon Alcaraz (photo : timawa)MANILA - The Philippines' second warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, is expected to arrive in the country by end of June or early July, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Monday.Gazmin said it will take some time for the Hamilton-class cutter to arrive in the country as it will travel from Charleston, South Carolina passING through the Panama Canal.Fernando Manalo, Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel, said the ship would be "limited" in terms of equipment and arsenal but was "better than the first one," referring to the first Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Philippines, the BRP del Pilar.The arrival of the second warship is expected to boost Philippine naval presence, especially with the ongoing dispute at the West Philippine Sea.2 new frigatesMeanwhile, Manalo also revealed that the Philippines opted to purchase two brand new frigates instead of the earlier plan to buy secondhand ones following a DND study that says buying brand new frigates are more practical than buying used ones."It will be more expensive in the long run if we're going to buy secondhand ships, considering the repairs," Manalo told reporters.He said purchase of the two brand new frigates will be done via public bidding and has a budget of P18 billion.Countries that have already expressed interest to participate in the bidding include South Korea, Singapore, and Spain, among others.Aside from the frigates, the DND is also finalizing plans to purchase 12 jet fighters from South Korea.(InterAksyon)

Air Warfare Destroyer (image : AWD Alliance)Billions needed for fast-tracking of defence blueprintSTEPHEN Smith has told his department to bring forward the promised new defence white paper so it can be released before next month's budget - along with plans to buy more Super Hornet fighter-bombers and a fourth powerful Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD).Senior sources have told The Weekend Australian that the white paper, which was due by the end of June, will refocus strategy away from China as a threat and commit the government to a large new spending program.The three air warfare destroyers under construction are costing a total of $8.5 billion and an additional vessel would be likely to cost at least $3bn, possibly more.It is estimated that 24 more Super Hornets would cost between $2.5bn and $3bn and it is likely that money would need to be spent soon.Sources said the Defence Minister would also narrow down to two the range of options for the design of the navy's promised 12 submarines, which the government says must be built in Adelaide. It is not known what cuts will be made elsewhere to cover the substantial cost of the new purchases.The sources said ordering a new air warfare destroyer would bridge the so-called "valley of death" faced by Australia's ship-building industry when the work dries up after the current three destroyers are built and before the new submarine project can start. The move would also provide a political boost as it would ensure continued jobs in Adelaide and Melbourne's Williamstown.The Australian revealed this week that Williamstown, one of Australia's most important naval shipyards, could be mothballed or sold, placing more than 1000 jobs at risk unless the federal government gave it more work.The new white paper is expected to back away from the theme of Kevin Rudd's 2009 version: that Australia needed to be prepared to fight a war against China. According to the 2009 document, the prospect of conflict with a superpower that was also a major trading partner and a crucial pillar of the Australian economy would require building a very potent Australian Defence Force with 12 big new submarines; giant landing ships able to carry 1000 troops, tanks and the works; air warfare destroyers to protect the lot; a host of smaller warships; and about 100 revolutionary Joint Strike Fighters. This was expected to cost more than $200bn over many years.

RAAF F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (photo : CanvasWings)In last year's budget, Julia Gillard and Mr Smith cut $5.5bn from Defence over four years, reducing spending to 1.56 per cent of GDP. That brought a huge backlash that allowed the opposition to paint Labor as soft on national security.Mr Smith's announcements, due within a fortnight, are intended to repair that damage while bringing clarity to struggling defence-industry companies and removing the impression that the minister is stalling on major decisions.In strategic terms, this year's white paper is expected to focus on issues much closer to home than the 2009 version. But it will deal with the need to protect the nation and its allies against the increasing threat posed by rogue states.It will adopt a much more conciliatory tone on China and will include a stronger focus on the use of diplomacy to defuse situations before they escalate and to encourage Beijing to use its influence to help calm issues down.In the wake of the latest crisis on the Korean peninsula, it has also been suggested that the government may soon order a major upgrade to the missile systems being fitted to the air warfare destroyers to enable them to shoot down ballistic missiles.The SM2 systems now being fitted are highly effective against aircraft but are not designed to shoot down ballistic missiles that North Korea is now developing. The more advanced SM3 missile system has knocked down ballistic missiles in tests involving US and Japanese warships but that would cost many millions more to buy and fit.The developments in North Korea have focused attention on the need for countries such as Australia to be able to contribute to a shield to knock down missiles from a rogue state. The idea would be to place air warfare destroyers near North Korea so that they can use their highly sophisticated Aegis anti-missile systems to intercept a North Korean ballistic missile while it is still gathering speed.The RAAF has long intended that the fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter, now officially named the Lockheed F-35 Lightning II, would replace its F-111 long-range bombers and F/A-18 Hornet fighters. The Rudd government indicated in its 2009 defence white paper that it would purchase up to 100 JSFs. Australia has ordered 14 of the revolutionary JSFs, with the first to be handed over in the US next year. The first squadron was intended to be operational by 2018.The RAAF already has 24 Super Hornets, ordered by the Howard government in 2007 after the ageing F-111 fleet was retired earlier than intended because of safety concerns. Australia has spent $1.5bn fitting out 12 of those Super Hornets with sophisticated Growler electronic warfare equipment, which is able to paralyse an enemy's communications and missile systems.It is expected that some of the new Super Hornets will come fitted out as Growlers. The RAAF also has 71 older "classic" Hornets. If the government does buy another 24 Super Hornets, that is likely to reduce the number of JSFs that are ultimately needed by the RAAF.(The Australian)

Singapore interested in F-35B Short Take Off/Vertical Landing variant (photo : Militaryphotos)(Reuters) - Singapore has shown "tremendous interest" in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter developed by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) and will likely decide by this summer whether to buy the new warplane, the Pentagon's F-35 program chief said on Wednesday.Air Force Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan told a subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee that he expected Singapore to decide by this summer whether to join the multinational fighter plane program.He said he was also cautiously optimistic that South Korea could decide to buy the radar-evading F-35 in its 60-fighter competition, with a decision expected there in June.(Reuters)

.DHC-6 Twin Otter C-GVTU, second DHC-6 for Vietnam Navy (all photos : Phu Nu Today)(Phunutoday) - The aircraft company Viking Air (Canada), conduct the testing phase of seacond seaplane DHC-6 Twin Otter 400 series for Vietnam Navy began on 18/1, before completing all tested and delivered to customers.The DHC-6 Twin Otter Monday, after the completion of assembly and final testing techniques, have made direct flights from the factory to the Victoria International Airport.

Who taught ? Pacific Sky Aviation Company (a subsidiary of Viking Group) has started flight training for pilots of Vietnam Navy.

In the picture, we can see the second seaplaneTwin Otter Vietnam Navy anchor painted on the nose.

In the near future, the aircraft will be transferred to Vietnam to join forces serving in the Navy. The Twin Otter Squadron 6 will also mark a naval air force of our troops first.Both Twin Otter seaplane were first painted and numbered as required performance of Vietnam Navy. The first Twin Otter brought a number MSN 867 and MSN 872 second

Earlier in May 5/2010, Vietnam has ordered six seaplanes dual use DHC-6 Twin Otter 400 to equip navyAmong them, 3 will be the best configuration to use to transport senior officials of the Navy and State, the remaining 3 will be equipped with the configuration system, facilities for the inspection sea.

According to the press release earlier, each a DHC-6 Twin Otter was purchased with Navy Vietnam worth about $ 5 million / unitSeaplane DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 is designed to cater for activities at sea and will become the first aircraft in Vietnam Navy Aviation.

DHC-6 Twin Otter C-GVTU, first DHC-6 for Vietnam NavyTwin Otter 400 seaplane also designed can be equipped with up to 19 passenger seats, the Guardian 400 variant (variant increased naval patrols), aircraft are equipped with landing on water and the system can be specific to maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and surveillance.Seaplane DHC-6 Series 400 system equipped with advanced avionics.(Phu Nu Today)

Mr Lee (third from right) observing officer cadets taking part in a river crossing exercise. (all photos : Sing MindefPrime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is in Brunei where he visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers undergoing jungle confidence and survival training. Mr Lee also attended the 22nd ASEAN Summit, which concluded earlier today.As part of his programme, Mr Lee trekked through the jungle, interacted with troops at a jungle survival training site and witnessed officer cadets participating in a river crossing exercise. During his interaction with the trainees, Mr Lee emphasised the importance of National Service to the security of Singapore. He also commended the soldiers for their professionalism and their perseverance in undergoing tough and realistic training.

Speaking to the media after his interactions, Mr Lee said "Brunei offers us something very special which we can't do in Singapore... it's a different environment, much more challenging, much more physically demanding and I think psychologically, if you go through it, it gives you a lot of confidence." Mr Lee added, "New generations of SAF servicemen are taking their training seriously, they understand the value of it. I think their morale is good and their commitment is there... I think they know there's a job to be done and this is really more than a job, it's a mission."

Singapore and Brunei share a strong and long-standing defence relationship. In addition to regular training which SAF troops conduct in Brunei, both defence establishments conduct a wide range of bilateral exercises and professional exchanges which have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the ties between the two armed forces.During the visit, Mr Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Transport Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Member of Parliament Low Yen Ling, Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh and other senior SAF officials. (Sing Mindef)

25 April 2013

LHD Training Facility opened for future crews of the LHD (photo : Aus DoD)Mascot, Sydney: Minister for Defence Materiel, Dr Mike Kelly, today opened the training facility for future crews of the Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs), the largest ships ever to be built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and which are currently under construction at BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard.

Originally a warehouse, the 4000 square meters of space at Mascot has been transformed into a purpose-built, state-of-art base for the training needs of future LHD crews and will house simulated training suites, LHD ship-fitted equipment, classrooms, a common room and a fitted-out office area for the instructors and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who will work from the centre.Director of BAE Systems Maritime, Bill Saltzer said: “For the crews it will be a virtual LHD so they can gain a real understanding of what it will be like to be on board the Navy’s biggest ships and for the Navy it will be one of the most advanced training facilities currently available in Australia.“The equipment installed has the ability to replicate any scenario, incident or event the LHDs may encounter which means the crews that will be trained here will be familiar with all the ship’s capability and systems before they even step on board.“We have even constructed a marine evacuation system at the facility where crews can be trained in emergency evacuation procedures.”As part of the training facility, BAE Systems also established a collection of historical information on Australia’s amphibious history. The storyboards on display span Australia’s amphibious history from the very first 1914 amphibious landings in German New Guinea, which successfully defeated German troops, through to the more recent amphibious operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.“This rich 99-year history has been researched and assembled by BAE Systems staff to encourage sailors, soldiers and airmen to understand their heritage while facilitating their learning of contemporary amphibious concepts and doctrine,” Mr Saltzer said.Classes start on Monday 6 May. More than 700 personnel will be trained over the next two and a half years. The facility can also be used for follow-on training and Through Life Support Training as well managing and conducting future training needs for the ADF, Command Team Training and further RAN/ADF training.Work on the first of the LHDs is progressing with handover scheduled for early next year. The hull of the second ship is currently under construction at the Navantia shipyard in Spain and is expected to arrive at Williamstown in the first quarter of 2014.(BAE Systems)

Eight of the SAF's Leopard 2SG MBTs and four of the Bundeswehr's Leopard 2A6 MBTs were involved in the joint live-firing exercise at the NATO-Bergen Training Area, Germany (all photos : Sing Mindef)Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Panzer Strike at the NATO-Bergen Training Area, Germany, on 23 April 2013.During his visit, Dr Ng was briefed on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed a successful bilateral live-firing involving the 2nd Company of the 48th Battalion of the Singapore Armoured Regiment and their German counterparts from the Bundeswehr's 33rd Panzer Battalion. Both armies had been engaged in rigorous training and exchange of pointers in the lead-up to the joint exercise, which involved the execution of tactical manoeuvres.

Speaking to the servicemen at the visit, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of overseas training in providing realistic and challenging training opportunities for the SAF to hone its operational readiness and extended his appreciation to them for their professionalism and dedication. Giving his thoughts on the exercise, Dr Ng said, "I think all servicemen recognise and realise that they have to optimise these very precious training resources. It makes a big difference for them, they know that that once they have done this, they are very confident that they can fire accurately on the move and they are confident as a crew. I think that is something they have achieved that cannot be taken away from them - that they feel very confident of themselves."

Exercise Panzer Strike is the fifth in the series and has included a bilateral live-firing component for the second consecutive year. It will involve more than 1300 armour personnel, 14 Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks and 11 Bionix I Infantry Fighting Vehicles. These training opportunities in Germany have helped build up the professionalism and capabilities of the SAF Armour. Due to a recent agreement, SAF Armour will now be able to double their training time in Germany.(Sing Mindef)